Chapter 44
Leo
I pushed open the door to the bookstore and was immediately confronted by Hank’s withering stare.
I hadn’t interacted much with the bookstore owner, but he attended every town meeting and definitely won the award for the grumpiest person in town.
Although King and Wilder might give him a run for his money.
I waved awkwardly. “Hello, I’m helping with the book club today.”
His eyes flicked down to my cane. Hank used one as well, and I braced myself for the inevitable commentary. Why on earth would you be using that? You’re too young for a cane.
He grunted. “You know Olive?”
“Um, yes.”
The old man’s expression softened the slightest bit. “In the back.”
Huh. Maybe Hank was all right.
I wove through the aisles to the meeting room, which contained tall stacks of books, a table with food, and a circle of comfortable chairs—one of which was occupied by Felix wearing a blue pin-striped bow tie.
“Are you here for book club?” I asked him.
“Hey, Leo.”
I jumped when Olive popped out from behind a large bookshelf. For a second, I’d thought Felix had spoken to me.
“Hey, I’m here to serve tea and snacks?” My words came out as a question, and Olive couldn’t quite suppress her giggle. Wilder was totally right—the omegas were orchestrating all of this. Not that I minded. I would jump through whatever hoops necessary to win Lucy’s trust.
“The rest of the group should be here soon. They’re going to be so excited you’re here.”
The members of the Groovy Book Club were thrilled to have a new victim member.
Attendees included Carmen, Marisol, Char from the diner, her omega Rosie, and Missy, who owned the movie theater.
Oh, and Jo, who was one of Lucy’s moms. Which could have been fine except that of course Marisol and Carmen immediately told her everything—about my interest in courting Lucy and my absence at craft night.
My cheeks burned with embarrassment as I served the food and refilled everyone’s drinks.
Once the book discussion started, I found myself without much to do.
“Come join us, Leo,” Olive said, a mischievous glint in her eye.
Who knew the sweet-looking lighthouse keeper was so evil?
I rubbed the back of my neck. “I haven’t read the book.”
Carmen dismissed my objection with a wave of her hand. “Certainly never stops me from attending. Sit down.”
Well, okay then.
The only available chair was the one currently occupied by Felix. The room fell silent as I stood in front of him. I stared at his sleepy eyes, begging him to move via telepathy. Please don’t make me look bad in front of my crush’s friends and mom. Please please please.
Felix gave a slow, luxurious stretch and scooted to the side of the seat. I squeezed in beside him. He just secured himself a lifetime supply of unlimited treats.
I stroked his ears as the chatter picked back up.
“What I liked best about this book was how amazing the male characters treated their omega. They always show up whenever she needs them,” Rosie said.
Olive nodded. “Totally agree. So much of being a good pack mate is being present.”
Felix purred lazily on my lap as I suffered through my well-deserved hazing.
The women eventually grew more relaxed with playful teasing and inside jokes.
By the time the gathering came to a close, I’d received an official invitation to attend next month’s book club—a great honor, according to Marisol.
I stayed behind to clean up. Jo was the last to leave. “I hope I see you around, Leo.” She winked and headed out.
“Wow,” Olive said. “That was a glowing endorsement.”
“It was, wasn’t it?” I grinned. “Have I won you over, too?”
She hummed. “That remains to be seen. But this was a good start.”
I held my head a little higher as I left the bookstore.